Motoring Today Column

Nov 04, 2020

Are we on the way to or already back to normal? Old and new.

Daily traffic congestion in the metro is back. Reports of road accidents are on the rise. PUVs are back to their old habits-picking up more passengers than they should, dawdling at loading/unloading zones - when authorities are not looking.

To be sure, people are masked and faceshields are displayed, if not properly worn, by most when outside homes and domiciles.

But more people are out and about at malls, at shops, at restaurants and eateries. Individuals and families seem to be hungry for weekend road trips. Were you among those clogging the main thoroughfares and byways heading up to Tagaytay?

Authorities seem to be working with due haste in reopening the economy, moving to increase authorized capacity on all forms of public transport, and even allowing 15- to 65-year olds to go out.

Although we've seen toddlers and tykes out with parents and obviously not for anything essential beyond a casual 'pasyalan' even before that 15 to 65 edict came out.

The Department of Health (DOH) numbers on new cases may be embolding the IATF to ease quarantine restrictions.

Still, some can't help commenting that country's likeGermany, France, Spain are back to lockdowns after Covid-19 cases spiked after they reopened the economy after seeing the number of infections dwindle.

DMax for Caritas

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has donated a DMax pickup to Caritas Manila, a non-profit organization that serves as the lead social service and development ministry of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

The turnover of the donation to Caritas cannot have come at a better time. Southern and Central Luzon are again suffering the effects of supertyphoon.

As Isuzu Philippines president Hajime Koso said: "Isuzu Philippines is truly delighted to be able to help in the endeavors of Caritas Manila to enrich and uplift the lives of the Filipinos through various social and livelihood programs. We firmly believe that this Isuzu D-Max would support your future operations in terms of disaster relief and community outreach in the various parts of the country."

Honda's New Shops

Honda saw four dealerships close during the lockdowns but as authorities ease community quarantine restrictions and begins to reopen the economy it has found a new one.

Honda Cars Tagum , a full service dealership was recently inaugurated becoming one of 35 dealerships in the country and the fifth in Mindanao. Located at Purok 1 Rizal, Canocotan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Honda Cars Tagum has a dealer showroom and service facility in a 3,200 square meter facility.

In announcing the new member of its dealership network, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) said Honda Cars Tagum is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment as well as skillful technicians to offer the brand's signature world-class services such as preventive maintenance, general repair, body and paint, and spare parts.

"As part of Honda's 30^th year celebration in the Philippines, we are delighted to welcome Honda Cars Tagum in Honda's dealership roster. This dealer will surely impart a significant contribution in providing excellent customer satisfaction for Honda customers." said Masahiko Nakamura, HCPI president.

Honda has also opened an official store in Lazmall, a virtual mall connecting shoppers to over 18,000 leading international and local brands.

HCPI said that customers can buy vehicle reservation vouchers for select Honda models at their own convenience at Honda's official Lazmall store.

"Not only does it minimize the need for customers to visit the dealership, but also encourages contactless transactions, minimizing the risk and spread of the on-going pandemic for everyone's safety," said HCPI.

"Customers can also take advantage of the exclusive discounts and promos to be offered by Honda during Lazada's special sale events," it added.

Honda's LazMall flagship store will soon be offering more products such as Honda genuine vehicle parts, accessories, and other merchandise.

Mitsubishi in Batangas

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has added another dealership to its network.

Its 56th dealership, Mizakawa Motors Corporation, can be found along Diversion Road, in Banaba South of Batangas City.

Exhibiting the new new Mitsubishi Motors Global Corporate Identity and Visual Identity design, the Batangas dealership features a three-car showroom and a service area with 12 service bays.

"We are thrilled to have MZM as the latest addition to the Mitsubishi Motors family. The South Luzon area is a booming, economic hub and rest assured that MMPC, together with MZM are here to provide our customer's needs for both sales and aftersales in the region," MMPC said.

RFID Question

Motorists were given around three months to get the RFIDs needed for cashless payment system at tollgates. But most apparently waited until the last few days to get theirs, causing long lines at installation sites.

The two tollways operators, theMetro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and the San Miguel Corporation (SMC), said they were ready to implement full cashless payments by the November 2 deadline.

But with thousands of motorists apparently not yet able to get RFIDs, one for each of the two separate networks of tollways, authorities set a new date, December 1, for the start of full cashless payments at tollgates.

Motorists are advised to take advantage of the extended time to get their RFIDs and not wait until the last few days.

Still if you are not a frequent user of tollways, you can get RFIDs installed right before you finally plan to use them. Follow the advice of the Department of Transportation to those who live in areas far away from tollways. The following is found on DOTr's Quick Facts site:

QUESTION : Paano kung malayo ang area like Pagudpud o Cagayan, paano pupunta sa toll booth?

SAGOT : Pwede naman sila magpa-install kung kailan lang ang schedule nila ng pagluwas. Tuloy-tuloy naman ang RFID installation. Mayroon din pong sites bago malapit sa toll booth. Dumaan muna sila doon.

Happy Motoring!!!

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